This page covers gray triggerfish fishing out of St. Pete Beach from your own boat: when the fish are around, how far boats run from Pass-a-Grille, and the named bottom with depths. The species details are in the gray triggerfish guide, so this page sticks to the port. For the wider coast, see the gray triggerfish fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
When triggerfish are around St. Pete Beach
According to Angler’s Dream, gray triggerfish are around St. Pete Beach year-round. Their species notes place triggerfish on rocky ledges and reef structure offshore and call them abundant in every month, with no single season given.
Year-round
There is no window to time a trip around. The fish are there, and the real decision is which piece of bottom to run to.
Time of day
Angler’s Dream says afternoon trips often produce the most consistent action. That is one operator’s read, so treat it as a starting point rather than a rule.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Availability | Year-round |
| Structure | Rocky ledges and reef structure offshore |
| Time of day | Afternoon trips often most consistent |
Where boats run from Pass-a-Grille
Boats run from Pass-a-Grille to the tri-pod a couple of miles out, then west to ledges and rockpiles in 60 to 120 feet. The run breaks into three steps:
- The Pass-a-Grille tri-pod, a couple of miles offshore from Pass-a-Grille.
- From the tri-pod, head west.
- The ledges and rockpiles sit offshore in 60 to 120 feet.
Ledges and rockpiles cover a range of depths rather than a single number, which here is 60 to 120 feet.
The long run to Nohab
Nohab (South Jack Wreck) sits in 66 feet, about 15 nautical miles off Egmont Key. It is the long-run option from this port.
Reading NDBC 42098
The nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC station 42098, Egmont Channel Entrance, FL, a waverider buoy at 27.590 N, 82.931 W. Read wave height and period there, then check the official NWS marine forecast. The buoy reports conditions at one point, and a forecast is a forecast, so neither tells you what the water is doing at the ledges.
Grounds and structure near St. Pete Beach
The named structure near St. Pete Beach runs from pilings and a jetty inshore to a 66 ft wreck about 15 nautical miles off Egmont Key. St. Pete Beach Reef is a named Pinellas County artificial reef, described on the Pinellas County reef sheet.
| Name | Depth | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Merry Pier pilings | not listed | not listed |
| Pass-a-Grille Jetty | not listed | Southwest tip of Pass-a-Grille |
| Egmont Key Reef (listed on ReefsNwrecks as Egmont Reef) | 18 ft | Just inside Tampa Bay, east of Egmont Key |
| St. Pete Beach Reef | 35 ft | not listed |
| South County Reef | 45 ft | not listed |
| Pass-a-Grille tri-pod | not listed | A couple miles offshore from Pass-a-Grille |
| Pass-a-Grille ledges and rockpiles | 60 to 120 ft | Offshore, west of the tri-pod |
| Nohab (South Jack Wreck) | 66 ft | About 15 nm off Egmont Key |
Ledges and rockpiles
These are the deepest named range here, 60 to 120 feet, west of the tri-pod. They match the offshore ledge and reef structure Angler’s Dream ties to triggerfish.
Inshore structure
Merry Pier pilings, Pass-a-Grille Jetty and Egmont Reef at 18 ft are the named inshore structure. Chart layers help locate bottom like this but are not for navigation.
How triggerfish are fished here
Triggerfish here are taken by bottom fishing over reef and ledge structure, and Miss Pass-A-Grille lists triggerfish as a target. For the wider method and regional picture, see the reef fish guides.
Who fishes for triggerfish out of this port
Three local operations list gray triggerfish:
- Miss Pass-A-Grille Deep Sea Fishing: a 51 ft twin diesel with an A/C cabin. Lists triggerfish as a target.
- Angler’s Dream Fishing: a 32 ft center console. Its timing notes are above.
- Captain Joe Genovese: a named local captain on the Angler’s Dream triggerfish page.
FAQ: gray triggerfish fishing out of St. Pete Beach
Are triggerfish around St. Pete Beach year-round?
Yes. Angler’s Dream says they are abundant year-round.
What time of day is best?
Angler’s Dream says afternoon trips often produce the most consistent action.
How deep are the Pass-a-Grille ledges?
60 to 120 feet, west of the tri-pod.
How far is Nohab?
About 15 nautical miles off Egmont Key, in 66 feet.
Which buoy should I check?
NDBC 42098, Egmont Channel Entrance. Read wave height and period there, then check the NWS forecast.
Which charters list gray triggerfish?
Miss Pass-A-Grille, Angler’s Dream and Captain Joe Genovese.
